e-ReferenceDesk's College and 50 State Learning Resource Guide

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State Mottos

A list of US state slogans is available, as well as a list of US state nicknames, origin of the state names, and the state resident's names.

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Washington Symbols

Washington Symbols

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Washington State Motto

"Al-ki or Alki"

(Bye and Bye)

(Hope for the Future)

Adopted in ?.

Language: Native American

Focus: Progress and Prosperity

"Al-ki" or "Alki"

Al-ki or Alki, a Chinook Indian word meaning "bye and bye" or "hope for the future." This motto first appeared on the territorial seal designed by Lt. J.K. Duncan of Gov. Stevens' surveying expedition. On one side it pictures a log cabin and an immigrant wagon with a fir forest in the background; on the other side, a sheet of water being traversed by a steamer and sailing vessel, a city in perspective; the Goddess of Hope and an anchor is in the center. The figure points at the significant word "Alki." Settlers from the schooner Exact named their settlement on Alki Point, New York. The new settlement was slower to grow than its East Coast counterpart, however, so the name was changed to New York-Alki, meaning "into the future" -- the 1850s version of the term "bye and bye" or, "I will see you, bye and bye."

This motto recalls early settlers' dreams that Seattle might become another New York City eventually, or "bye and bye.")

Statute

RCW 1.20.080
State seal.
The seal of the state of Washington shall be, a seal encircled with the words: "The Seal of the State of Washington," with the vignette of General George Washington as the central figure, and beneath the vignette the figures "1889" and shall be composed as appears in the illustration below:

(RCW 1.20.080 - Illustration: State Seal)

(For the illustration, please refer to paperback RCW.)

[1967 ex.s. c 65 § 1.]

Mottos of the States

State motto is a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on or attached to a coin, building, or other object. A state motto expresses an important idea for a group of people within the state.

motto ('mä-(")tO)
n.

Etymology:
Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter
Date: 15th century

1: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

2: a short expression of a guiding principle